A major recent survey commissioned by the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum depicts a Canada-wide shortage of skilled tradespersons. Canada-wide projections estimate 913,000 skilled trade job openings between 2003 and 2015. With so many industries suffering these days, it’s reassuring to know that trades are a field you can bet on.
There are more than 200 skilled trades in Canada, career options for every interest and aptitude, jobs that offer respect, opportunity and good pay. Professionals in the Automotive Service/Repair field as well as Electrical and Plumbing careers are in particular demand due to a number of factors including Baby Boomer retirements, economic issues, and career trends. All signs point to a nation-wide need for skilled trades workers.
Amidst this trades upturn, Canada is weathering the effects of a downturned economy wherein workers in previously stable careers are being laid off. For those Canadians that find themselves newly out-of-work, jobs in the trades are a good starting point and Ontario’s Second Career program is a fantastic plan for attaining job-ready skills for next to nothing. Ontarians can get up to $28, 000 (and in some cases, even more!) for tuition, books, moving expenses and more as they retrain for a new career. If you’ve been laid off recently, this site is a terrific stop-off on en route to your next career.
So what are some of the careers that stand to prosper over the next few years? We’ll take a look at two of these rising-star fields to learn more about the nature of the work, the education required and what one can expect to earn.
Automotive Service Technicians and Repairers
Service technicians, mechanics, and repairers diagnose mechanical malfunctions and repair or replace mechanical units or components using hand and power tools. They will also test and adjust units to specifications for proper performance and complete reports. Once graduated, workers in these fields can expect to earn about $17.24/ hour.
Electrical Trades
Electrical trades workers may work on electric power distribution systems, as well as telecommunications lines and cables. They may install and repair telephones, as well as cable television signals, power lines and overhead/underground electrical power systems. Professionals in this field can expect to make approx. $22.30/hour.
Plumbing
Plumbing professionals will install, repair and maintain domestic, commercial or industrial plumbing fixtures and systems. Their work will also involve reading blueprints and specifications to determine layout of plumbing system to locate and mark positions for pipe connections, etc. Once graduated, workers in these fields can expect to earn about $20.41/hour.
The skilled trades play a vital role in Canada and now, as many of the seasoned professionals begin to retire, vacancies abound for new professionals. Trades are where it’s at, Canada!
The three fields highlighted here give an idea of solid directions for Canadians considering a new career in Canada but they are just a selection of the many opportunities that will be opening over the next few years.
To view schools near you that offer programs in the Trades, click here!
To see if you qualify for up to $28, 000 in funding assistance and to find a school or program near you, check out Second Career.